One of the most pervasive distortions of mind is failure to see the big picture. Put another way, we see only from our personal (and limited) perspective. This is a problem that stems from belief in a self around which the universe rotates. This is an easy mistake to make because we are so deeply attached to ourselves that it all feels so intensely–well–personal.

Every moment actually holds both the personal and the universal. As individuals, we are not singled out for either great tragedy or great joy. We experience both due to the arising of causes and conditions that come together and appear on the stage of our perception. As wisdom grows, we see how completely impersonal this process is, a natural progression and flow of fluctuating conditions.

A compassionate response to the world’s ills will be more effective if it arises out of understanding that reality is never what it seems to be based on our limited perceptions. So it is best to hold all perceptions lightly and do the best we can.

“The mark of your ignorance is the depth of your belief in injustice and tragedy.
What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly.”
~Richard Bach

Posted by Deb.